Benefits of Being A Woman of “The Perfect Age”

“Good Housekeeping and L’Oréal are hosting a “50 Over 50” luncheon with a celebrity panel at Hearst Tower in New York City and would love for you to attend” said the invitation earlier this month. The event was held to honor 50 accomplished women who were selected for being at the top of their game during their life after 50 and for their positive attitude about aging. It was fitting that this program happened the same day that a woman clinched the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. (Go Hillary! #IAmWithHer)

A Panel Of Post 50 Celebs The star-studded panel included:

♥ Marlo Thomas– I have always adored Marlo, ever since the 60s when she was an aspiring actress in That Girl. Do you remember how her character Annemarie moved from her hometown of Brewster, New York to NYC? I so wanted to be just like Annemarie. I also admire Marlo’s philanthropic and activist work.

My favorite “That Girl” Marlo Thomas.

♥Carole Radziwill, author and TV personality – “I love Carole,” said my daughter A, who is a fan of The Real Housewives of New York City. While Carole appears inthis hit Bravo reality show, it is her previous career as a TV journalist and producer that interested me. I was equally moved by her story of widowhood at a young age. After losing her husband ABC News producer Anthony Radizwill to cancer, she wrote a memoir, What Remains, and a novel, The Widow’s Guide to Sex & Dating. I definitely want to read both.

♥Vanessa Williams – A singer, actress and designer, Vanessa looked as beautiful at 50+ as she did when she was crowned Miss America.

♥Ali Wentworth– The actress, author, comedienne, and producer is a woman of many talents and definitely doesn’t look 50+. Her mom was social secretary for former First Lady Nancy Reagan and she is married to George Stephanopoulos.

“The Perfect Age Is Now” It was clear from the panel discussion that there are benefits to being over 50, or as the L’Oréal slogan says “The Perfect Age.”

Marlo shared what she liked about being her age (which BTW is 78): “Getting older — things seem easier. When I was younger, I thought ‘am I good enough?’ Now I realize I know how to do things that I’ve already done. Ease is a very big thing to be given at 50+.”

Ali said: “You lose your boobs but you gain strength and empowerment. I was so nervous when I was younger. There’s a strength that comes with age.”

Carole added: “I wasn’t good at being young. Being older you have a sense of confidence and wisdom. Having fun. Being in the moment.”

Vanessa contributed: “When you’re young you want to conform. We can be different at this age.”

We’re Different Than Our Moms There was lots of chatter about how things are different today than when our moms were this age.

Ali said: “No one talked about menopause. Now women talk about it.”

Marlo, who didn’t get married until she was 40, commented: “You didn’t have any role models when we were young. Now women are in big positions. Running General Motors, running for president. In 1966, when I was producing my show, I was the only woman in every room. Men either wanted to kill me or go to bed with me.”

Jane noted: “There’s an evolution of how we perceive age. We just did a study of every life stage. Millennials had more in common with those over 50.” Jane was referring to the Good Housekeeping and L’Oréal Paris survey of more than 1200 women over 50 that was conducted in May 2016. Nearly 70% of respondents said they are optimistic about continuing to be beautiful as they get older.

Carole focused on the decades. While she never had children, she said: “The 20s are about being curious and on your own. The 30s are about family and career. In the 40s you’re reflecting back. At 50+, I feel like I know who I am. Now I get to decorate the house. I have all this work behind me. Now I have my curiosity back.”

Beauty & Life Secrets From The Stars “Any beauty secrets you can share?” asked the moderator Jane Francisco, editor in chief of Good Housekeeping.

Marlo said she uses hydrating oil on her face and gets a facial every week. She also believes in motion and exercises often. In terms of life lessons she said, “I think everybody needs a motto. Ruth Gordon said ‘never face the facts.’ Really feel there is a purpose to what you need to do today to get closer to your dream. Most of us moan about ‘nobody cares about my dream.’ What are you doing to get closer to your dream?”

Ali offered: “Don’t buy cheap eyeglasses at drugstores. Wear sunscreen.” Her secret to a good marriage is to “laugh and have a lot of sex.” She added, “When I exercised when I was younger it was all about being pretty. When you get older it’s all about health.”

“Let me add to the sex thing,” Marlo chimed in. “Listen to your spouse all the time so that he feels attended to. Phil said to me ‘I don’t want advice. I just want you to listen.’ When you listen you’re more intimate. It works for friendship the same way.”

Honoring 50 Women Over 50

My friend and former colleague was one of the “50 Over 50” honorees.

While I was enamored by all the celebs in the room, it was one of the “50 Over 50” who impressed me the most. That’s because when I looked up on the screen of honorees I knew that woman. Her name is Sharon Pelham and she is a friend and former colleague. Congrats Sharon! Way to go!

What Are You Doing To Get Closer To Your Dream? As Marlo says, “What are you doing today to get closer to your dream?” Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to win some Loreal swag that I’m sharing from the luncheon.

Is it catty to say I think Marlo has had some “work” done? Is there/should there be a difference in being over 50 and nearing 80? Or being over 80? (I’m looking at you Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 😉 One thing these women demonstrate is that unlike for most of our mothers and grandmothers , barring serious illness, we have more control over how we age. This does look like it was a fun, cool (am I dating myself?) event and, my dear, you look maahhvelous.

I think posts like this are absolutely wonderful! I am currently doing my PhD in healthy aging through exercise and run a physiotherapy clinic focussed on helping Boomers stay active and free of health conditions.

Women like this (and you!) help challenge some of the stereotypes on aging and show just how much you can accomplish in your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s heck and beyond!